The Missoula County Sheriff's office Sunday evening ordered evacuations of residents in the Lolo area due to a fast-moving wildfire.
The evacuation orders initially applied to all residents north of Mormon Creek Road to Highway 12 on the east side and all residents on the south side of Highway 12 to Travelers Rest.
Those orders were lifted around 10 p.m. Sunday.
People who have evacuated can find assistance and more information at the Cold Springs Elementary School at 2625 Briggs St, in Missoula. People needing assistance due to this fire may also call the Red Cross at (406) 215-1514.
Lighting strikes started three new wildfires in the Mission Valley Sunday, according to the CSKT Division of Fire. Officials closed the Bison Range and part of Highway 28 at Junctions 93 and 282 in response.
One fire is burning through Middle Ridge, southwest of Sloan’s Bridge, and is approximately 500 acres. Another is burning more than 250 acres north of Dixon in Ferry Basin. And the third is 11 miles east of Elmo and burning around 200 acres.
As of 9 p.m. Sunday, the Big Knife Fire five miles east of Arlee had grown to more than 1,000 acres with afternoon winds. Smoke plumes could be seen from Missoula. The CSKT Division of Fire says aircraft continue to provide support.
Residents in the Mission Valley can sign up for pre-evacuation notices and orders at Lake County emergency alerts:
https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper.../sign_up_page_2/...
Missoula County emergency alerts:
https://www.missoulacounty.us/.../office-of.../smart911
For more information on preparing to evacuate follow this link-https://www.missoulacounty.us/.../emergency-preparedness
Call 258-INFO (258-4636) for more information.
An evacuation order is an order to immediately leave the area. Incident conditions present an immediate threat to persons in the area. This is the time for you to get out of the area for safety reasons, not the time to move personal property and livestock.
A slow-moving emergency vehicle with lights and alternating siren tones, loudspeaker announcements, and/or personal contact from a responder all indicate to evacuate immediately.
Law enforcement and other emergency responders are working in this area to provide accurate information about routes to take out of the area.
Drive in a safe and orderly fashion on designated routes only. Be on the lookout for fast moving emergency vehicles. Remaining calm and putting your pre-planned actions in motion will be the best way to keep you and your family safe.
Call 258-INFO (258-4636) for more information. Look and listen for a check-in center for evacuated persons.
Do not remove exterior flags or markings that authorities have placed outside your home. They allow emergency responders to identify who has and has not received evacuation information.
